DK179699B9

DK179699B9 - Hidden, invisible opening restrictor

Info

Publication number: DK179699B9
Application number: DKPA201570490A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Kornerup Klaus
Original assignee: Vkr Holding A/S
Priority date: 2015-07-27
Filing date: 2015-07-27
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: DK179699B1; DK201570490A1

Abstract

Presented herewith is an opening restrictor for window (1) installed in an inclined roof, the window comprising a frame (2) and a sash (3) each having a top member (8, 9), a bottom member (4, 5) and two side members (6, 7), the sash (3) being pivotably connected to the frame (2), such that a pivotalopening movement of the window sash in relation to the window frame brings the window sash from a closed position to an open position, the opening restrictor (20) being mounted at the top frame member (8) and configured to assume an engaged condition and a disengaged condition.

Description

The present invention relates to a window for installation in an inclined roof comprising an opening restrictor and an engagement element, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Opening restrictors of this kind are well known well known to be installed in windows, where a limitation of the opening of the window sash in relation to the window frame is achieved. Their use is often to provide ventilation of a room through a small opening angle of the window, and at the same time helps preventing access by unauthorized persons. Furthermore, opening restrictors also provides for a child safety mechanism, preventing easy and unintended opening of the window.

Known opening restrictors, such as for example the one described in GB2414513, is provided with a base element attached to either the sash or frame part of the window by attachment means. Further attached to the base element is normally an arm element comprising coupling means. The arm and the coupling means may be provided in many different ways and the attachment to the frame or sash, is also seen done in numerous ways. The general function of the opening restrictor is thus that the coupling means and/or gripping means of the arm element engages with an engagement element provided on the sash, so as to limit the opening angle of the window or preventing an opening at all.

Known opening restrictors are generally mounted at a side and/or bottom part of the window frame and/or sash, where they are easily reachable.

However, when mounted at a bottom or side member of the frame and sash, the opening restrictors are usually visible both when opening the window, where the arm is visible within the opening angle, but also often in a closed position. The dimensions of the window frame and sash leaves only little room for installation of an opening restrictor, why the surfaces of the frame and/or sash members facing inside the room, often is used as mounting site for the opening restrictor. Due to the structure of the opening restrictors, this often creates an unpleasant aesthetical inner side of the window. Furthermore known opening restrictors as such obstructs the view from inside a room by having at least the arm of the opening restrictor visible in either the open position of the window and for some installations also in the closed position of the window sash.

Furthermore, many known opening restrictors comprises an engagement element on either the window frame or sash which in a disengaged condition is within reach making it susceptible towards objects and humans, for example children, coming into contact whit the engagement element. This could cause the objects getting caught in the engagement element, so as to deform or even make the engagement element dysfunctional. Thus, known opening restrictors, which are within reach are not considerably protected against unwanted deformation.

Another example of a prior art document is US 2011/173895 A1, in which a window is described as comprising an opening restrictor and an engagement element provided inside a housing structure. The opening restrictor is mounted at the bottom sash member and configured to assume an engaged condition wherein a gripping mechanism is coupled to the engagement element of the bottom frame member for limiting the opening movement of the sash and a disengaged condition, in which said gripping mechanism is released from the engagement element allowing a fully opening movement of the sash. However, this solution is relatively complex in its construction and operation.

Therefore, in light of the above it is the object of the present invention to provide a window with an opening restrictor of the type mentioned in the introduction, which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages.

To meet this object, the window with an opening restrictor according to the present invention is characterised in that said arm element of said opening restrictor is released from said engaged condition by applying a force to the first end of said arm in the direction parallel with the length of said top frame member towards the opening of said housing structure. By this arrangement, a simple disengagement operation of the opening restrictor is provided, i.e. the disengaged “off” position, which in the most simple embodiment is obtained by a simple push applied to the arm in a direction towards the opening.

Other advantages of the invention and embodiments thereof include that the engagement element is hidden in the housing structure, which as such surrounds or incorporates the engagement element. In this way the engagement element does not easily come into contact with objects of the window possibly deforming the engagement element unintentionally and potentially destroying the function thereof.

Furthermore, with the opening restrictor arranged in the top part of the window, a protection against an unintentionally release is provided for. This is especially of interest when having child safety in mind, since the opening restrictor would not be within reach for a child. However, as it is evident the opening restrictor is still provided within reach of especially an adult such that, the opening restrictor may be released to allow for a fully opening of the window.

Additionally, this opening restrictor is with the configuration according to the invention, regarded as being “invisible” compared to known opening restrictors, since it is hidden within the frame and sash structure of the top part of the window. Not even the gripping mechanism which provides for the connection between that frame and sash appears visible in an open position of the window.

An advantage of this kind of opening restrictor is that a dismounting of the opening restrictor, in cases where an automatically restriction of the opening of the window is no longer needed and the opening restrictor might be dismounted, this opening restrictor would not leave behind any unpleasant installation marks on a visible surface of the window. Therefore, an obstructed finish of the surface of the frame and/or sash members is prevented. This is especially opposite to the known opening restrictors, where mounting holes or similar would appear visible on the side or bottom surface of the frame and sash.

Advantageously, the opening restrictor also provides for a child safety mechanism, since especially children may not easily come within reach of the opening restrictor due to its location in the top part of the window.

Furthermore, the opening restrictor is constructed so as to assume an “off”-position, in which the coupling means of the gripping mechanism is disengaged from the complementary coupling means of the engagement elDK 179699 B9 ement. However, in this “off”-position, the opening restrictor is automatically activated when coming from an open position of the window sash to a closed position thereof. That is, the engagement element even though disengaged in order to fully open the window sash in relation to the window frame, will always assume an engaged “auto active”-position, where the complementary coupling means of the engagement element and the gripping mechanism connects to each other during closure of the window sash.

Favorable embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In the following the advantages of the invention will be described in more detail by means of examples of embodiments, with reference to the schematic drawings in which

Fig. 1 illustrates a roof window having an opening restrictor mounted,

Fig. 2(a) - (c) illustrates the operation of the window in relation to the opening restrictor, wherein (a) illustrates the manual disengagement of the opening restrictor, (b) illustrates the closing of the window towards the automatic engaging condition of the opening restrictor, and (c) illustrates the automatic engaged condition of the opening restrictor in a closed position of the window,

Figs 3 and 4 is show a more schematic illustration of an opening restrictor according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figs 5 to 7 are a more detailed illustration of an opening restrictor according to the invention.

Initially referring to Fig. 1 a schematic view of a window 1 provided with a top mounted opening restrictor 20 is shown. The window 1 comprises a frame 2 and a sash 3 each having a top member 8, 9, a bottom member 4, 5 and two side members 6, 7. The sash 3 is pivotably connected to the frame 2, such that a pivotal opening movement of the sash in relation to the frame brings the window sash from a closed position to an open position. Furthermore, on the top frame part an opening restrictor 20 is mounted.

The top, bottom and side members of the sash 3 and frame 2 together define a window plane in which a pane is installed. The window is intended to be built into a surface, which is inclined with respect to horizontal. At a position between the top and centre or at the top of the window, there is a hinge connection between the frame 2 and sash 3. The sash 3 is openable with respect to the frame 2, as the sash 3 may be moved from a closed position, in which e.g. the sash side member is substantially parallel with the frame side member, to an open position, in which the sash side member forms an angle with the frame side members.

The opening restrictor 20 is configured to assume an engaged condition wherein a gripping mechanism 21 of the opening restrictor is coupled to an engagement element 22 of the top sash member 9, thereby limiting the opening of the window, and a disengaged condition, in which the gripping mechanism is released from the engagement element 22 allowing a fully opening of the window. Generally, the gripping mechanism of the opening restrictor is during closure of the window configured to automatically couple to the engagement element 22 of the top sash member.

The general operation of the opening restrictor 20 is illustrated in Fig. 2(a) - (c). Here it is illustrated how a user slightly opens the window in order to get into reach with the engagement element 22 in order to release the gripping mechanism 21 extending from a base element 24 of the opening restrictor to the engagement element 22. A release of the gripping mechanism allows a fully opening of the window illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 2(a). Returning the window sash from a fully open position of Fig. 2(b) to the closed position of Fig. 2(c) is achieved by a user rotating the window sash back in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2(b). During this operation the gripping mechanism 21 automatically engages the engagement element 22 of the sash, as illustrated in Fig. 2(c).

According to the present invention, the engagement element 22 of the opening restrictor 20 is provided within a housing structure 23 provided on said top sash member 9.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, this housing structure 23 is illustrated as being a part of a ventilation flap mounted on this specific window. However, trough out this description it will become clear that the housing structure is not necessarily part of the ventilation flap, but could be provided in other ways. The housing structure could in itself be understood as being the engagement element. That is, the housing structure could be provided in a construction so as to have technical features forming an engagement element, which will also be evident in the following.

As is illustrated in Fig. 1, the gripping mechanism should be understood as being in the form of or incorporated in an element extending from a base element 24 to the engagement element 22. The gripping mechanism 21 could thus be provided in many different ways as will become clear in the following.

In one embodiment, especially illustrated in Figs 3 and 4, the gripping mechanism is provided in the form of an arm element 21, said arm element 21 being attached to a base element 24 of the opening restrictor, wherein the base element 24 is mounted on the top frame member 8.

The arm element is arranged so that in an open position of the window, the arm element 21 extends from the base element 24 in a direction of opening of the window, and is configured to engage with the engagement element 22 of the sash top member 9.

In more detail, illustrated schematically in Figs. 3 to 4, the arm element 21 in a first end comprises a coupling means 25, which are configured to engage complementary coupling means of the engagement element 22, and in a second end comprises an attachment portion 27 configured to attach the arm element 21 to the base element 24 of the opening restrictor.

Furthermore, the coupling means 25 is in one embodiment configured so as to be retracted in the engagement element 22, or in another embodiment of the invention, in the base element 24 of the opening restrictor in the closed position of the window. That is, the coupling means 25 and the arm 21, is in the embodiment of Figs 3 and 4 configured to be retracted within the housing structure 23 of the top sash member. In this way the coupling means 25 and the arm is protected in at least the closed position of the window. Furthermore, due to the housing structure 23, the coupling means 25 will also be protected in the engaged condition, where the window is open. Thus, the engagement between the coupling means 25 and the engagement element within the housing is protected and an unintentionally release of this coupling is not easily obtained. Thus, one may state that the housing structure provided with an engagement element provides for a safety locking of the coupling means in the engaged condition of the opening restrictor.

For automatic engagement of the opening restrictor upon a closure of the window sash, the housing structure 23 comprises an opening 26 configured to automatically receive the coupling means 25 of the arm element 21. This opening 26 may function as a guide for leading the coupling means 25 into the housing structure 23. In this way, the coupling means 25 may be protected within the housing so that entanglement with objects potentially deforming the coupling means 25 and the engagement element is prevented. The opening restrictor is thus protected against deformation and is not easily destroyed. With reference to especially the embodiments of Figs 5 to 7, the arm element 21 of the opening restrictor is released from the engaged condition by applying a force to a first end of the arm element 21 in the direction parallel with the length of said top frame member towards an opening 26 of the housing structure 23. This opening 26 in the housing structure provides for a simple disengagement operation of the opening restrictor, i.e. the disengaged “off” position, which in the most simple embodiment is obtained by a simple push applied to the arm in a direction towards the opening. The arm element 21 is in this way disengaged from the engagement element and the window sash may be opened. Upon a following closure of the window, the arm element 21 automatically enters the opening in the housing, so as to engage with the engagement element therein providing an “auto-active”position. In this way the opening restrictor is automatically activated, so as to automatically restrict the opening angle upon opening of the window.

This disengaging procedure should especially be understood in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figs 5 to 7, where the arm element 21 is released by moving the coupling means 25 along the length of the housing structure 23 towards the opening 26, from where the arm element 21 is released. As also illustrated in more detail in this embodiment, the arm element 21 may slide inside the housing structure 23 so as to be hidden within the housing structure 23.

Therefore, according to a development of the opening restrictor, the engagement element 22 of the housing structure 23 is formed by two opposing walls of the housing structure 23, and comprises a guiding surface, said walls and guiding surface arranged to receive the coupling means 25 in a slidable manner in the housing structure 23, such that the arm element 21 during the opening movement slides within the housing, and in a closed position of the window is retracted in the housing structure of the sash top member.

In another embodiment (not illustrated in more detail) the walls of the housing and/or the engagement element itself comprise at least one resilient flange, wherein resilient flange is configured to snap-lock the coupling means in the housing structure in the engaged condition.

The at least one flange could also in a further development be configured to guide the coupling means of the arm in the housing structure.

For the arm to return to its original position, the gripping mechanism comprises a spring, the spring being configured to return the arm into a position, wherein the arm automatically engages the engagement element. Furthermore, the housing structure could also comprise a spring mechanism in order for guiding the arm inside the housing.

In yet another embodiment (not illustrated in more detail) the arm is a wire, cable or chain, which in the first end comprises the coupling means for engagement with the engagement element of the housing structure.

In the case of a wire and or cable, the arm in a closed position of the window is retracted in the base element of the frame top member. That is, the arm element could be provided as a cable, wherein it would be suitable to retract the cable in the base element structure of the frame instead of the housing structure of the sash. In this embodiment the engagement element of the sash should however still be understood as being provided as or within a housing structure, so as to provide for a protected engagement element.

Furthermore, in view of the embodiment comprising a cable, the base element would comprise a motor. With this embodiment, the opening restrictor would be intended for use in windows suitable for automatic opening and closure of the window without manual interaction from a user. This is especially suitable for roof window or similar window structures which are installed out of reach for manual interaction by a user.

The invention should not be regarded as being limited to the emDK 179699 B9 bodiments described in the above, but various modifications may be carried out without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A window for installation in a sloping roof, the window comprising an opening limiter and an engaging element (22), the window comprising a frame (2) and a frame (3), each having a top part (8, 9), a bottom part (4, 5) and two side parts (6, 7), the frame (3) being rotatably connected to the frame (2), so that a rotating opening movement of the window frame relative to the window frame brings the window frame from a closed position to an open position, wherein the opening limiter is (20) mounted at the top frame part (8) and is arranged to assume an engaging state, in which a gripping mechanism (21) of the opening limiter is coupled to the engaging element (22) of the top frame part (9), to limit the opening movement of the window frame, and a released condition in which the gripping mechanism (21) is released from the engaging element, which allows a full opening movement of the window frame, wherein the gripping mechanism (21) of the opening limiter has a coupling means (25), for automatic coupling to a complementary coupling means of the engaging element (22) of the top frame part (9), during a rotating closing movement of the window frame from a full open position to a closed position of the window frame, the engaging element (22) being provided inside a housing structure (23) provided on the top frame part (9), wherein the gripping mechanism is a wire, cable or chain, which at the first end comprises the coupling means, the gripping mechanism being formed as an arm element (21), the arm element (21) being connected to a base element (24) by the opening limiter, wherein the base member (24) is mounted on the top frame member (8), and wherein the arm member (21), in an open position of the window frame, extends from the base member (24) in a direction toward the opening of the window, and is adapted to engage the engaging member (22) of the top frame part (9), wherein the arm element (21) at a first end comprises the coupling means (25), which is arranged to engage with the engaging element (22), and at a different end e comprises a connecting section (27) adapted to connect the arm member (21) to the base member (24) of the aperture limiter, characterized in that the arm member (21) of the aperture limiter is released from the engaging condition by applying a force to the first end of the arm, in the direction parallel to the length of the top frame portion toward the opening (26) of the housing structure.

A window according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means (25) is arranged to be retracted in the engaging element (22) or the base element (24) by the opening limiter, in the closed position of the window.

A window according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the housing structure (23) comprises an opening (26) adapted to automatically receive the coupling means (25) of the arm element (21), by a rotating closing movement of the window frame from an open to a closed position.

A window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging element (22) of the housing structure is formed by two opposite walls, and comprises a guide surface, the walls and the guide surface being arranged to receive the coupling means (25) in the housing on a sliding way so that the gripping mechanism (21) slides inside the housing during the opening movement, and is retracted in the housing structure by the top frame part in a closed position of the window.

A window according to claim 4, wherein m at least one of the walls comprises m at least one elastic flange, the elastic flange being arranged to snap-lock the coupling means in the housing structure in the engaging condition.

A window according to claim 5, wherein the at least one flange is further arranged to guide the coupling means of the gripping mechanism into the housing structure.

A window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing and / or the gripping mechanism comprises a spring, the spring being adapted to return the arm to a location where the gripping mechanism automatically engages the engaging element.

A window according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the gripping mechanism is retracted in the base member by the top frame member in a closed position of the window frame.

A window according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base member comprises a motor.